Supervises and participates in advanced, highly complex professional planning activities. Provides guidance on zoning, land use and comprehensive planning matters. Administers the application process for annexations, zonings, special uses and variances. Prepares staff reports for the Planning and Appeals Board (PAB) and City Council. Assists with the approval of plats, site plan review and completion of special projects. Serves as the lead technical staff person on planning issues. Supervises staff as assigned by the Department Director and Deputy Director.

Oversees all aspects of the zoning application process including meetings with applicants, legal advertisements, notification letters, reviewing applicable sections of the City’s Unified Land Development Code (ULDC), visiting application sites and preparing staff reports with appropriate conditions.

Presents staff reports and other technical information to the Planning and Appeals Board and other groups as required.

Assists the general public, developers and real estate professionals with interpretations of the City’s ULDC and other development standards.

Provides direction and information regarding the Civil Plan Review process.

Participates in small area studies, provides forecasts and makes policy recommendations to the Deputy Director and Director. Topics may include population, land use, transportation, environmental design, and economic development.

Recommends and develops code amendments as needed.

Plans, assigns work and provides instruction to three to five employees.

Develops budget recommendations for the departmental budget.

Designs, coordinates and executes special projects as needed.

Coordinates meetings with citizens and development professionals to resolve complex and controversial Planning issues.

Represents the City on civic and/or professional committees.

Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

Master's degree in City Planning, Regional Planning or related field desirable.

Three to five years of related experience.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Class C Driver's license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

American Institute of Certified Planners desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of urban planning, with knowledge as it applies to local planning and development standards.

Knowledge of comprehensive planning principles, including forecasting and project feasibility analysis.

Knowledge of site planning and urban design principles and practices.

Knowledge of Georgia land use laws and local regula­tions.

Knowledge of GIS mapping systems.

Ability to use personal computer in research and analysis for record management and statistical reporting.

Ability to operate permitting software.

Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the general public.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to read zoning maps and legal descriptions.

Ability to prepare and present a variety of concise reports for oral and written presentation.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.